We truly live in the most beautiful province in Canada. While many visitors flock to the popular destinations like Vancouver or Whistler, there are also many secret getaways to discover and continue the exploration of your backyard.
Haida Gwaii
Haida Gwaii, also known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, is a remote archipelago located off the northwest coast of British Columbia. The islands are home to the Haida people, and visitors can explore their rich culture and history by visiting ancient villages and totem pole sites. The islands also boast stunning natural beauty, with rugged coastline, old-growth forests, and abundant wildlife, including whales, sea lions, and bears.
A popular accommodation includes the Haida House at Tllaal, a boutique hotel that combines traditional Haida architecture with modern amenities.
Hot Springs Cove
Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Hot Springs Cove is a hidden gem accessible only by boat or seaplane. The hot springs themselves are a series of natural pools surrounded by lush rainforest, with the sound of waves crashing on the nearby beach. The experience of soaking in the hot springs while surrounded by the beauty of nature is truly unforgettable.
There are no accommodations at Hot Springs Cove itself, but visitors can stay in nearby Tofino or Ucluelet, both of which offer a range of hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals. Some popular options include the Wickaninnish Inn, a luxurious oceanfront hotel in Tofino, and Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, a stunning resort perched on a cliff above the Pacific Ocean in Ucluelet.
Nootka Island
Nootka Island is a wilderness paradise located off the west coast of Vancouver Island. Accessible only by boat or floatplane, the island is home to lush rainforest, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife, including bears, sea otters, and eagles. Visitors can hike, kayak, and fish in the pristine wilderness, or explore the island's rich history as the site of an early European settlement.
Nootka Island is a remote wilderness area, and there are no hotels or lodges on the island itself. However, visitors can stay in nearby communities such as Gold River or Tahsis, or in wilderness lodges accessible only by boat. Some popular options include the Nootka Island Lodge, a rustic lodge that offers guided fishing and wildlife tours, and the Nootka Wilderness Lodge, a luxurious floating lodge that offers guided fishing and eco-tours.
Manning Provincial Park
Located in the heart of the Cascade Mountains, Manning Provincial Park is a hidden gem that offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Visitors can hike along alpine meadows, swim in crystal clear lakes, or ski on some of the best slopes in British Columbia. The park is also home to abundant wildlife, including bears, moose, and mountain goats.
Manning Park offers a range of accommodation options, including campsites, cabins, and lodges. Some popular options include the Manning Park Resort, which offers hotel rooms, cabins, and campsites, as well as a range of outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and mountain biking, and the Lightning Lake Campground, a popular campground with stunning views of the park's alpine lakes.
Hells Gate
Located in the Fraser Canyon, Hells Gate is a natural wonder that is not to be missed. The canyon is only 33 meters wide at its narrowest point, and the rushing waters of the Fraser River create a dramatic spectacle as they flow through the canyon. Visitors can take a gondola ride over the canyon, hike the trails along the river, or even try their hand at gold panning.
Visitors to Hells Gate can stay in nearby communities such as Hope or Boston Bar, both of which offer a range of hotels and motels. Some popular options include the High Hopes Bed & Breakfast, and the Canyon Alpine RV Park, a spacious RV park with stunning views of the Fraser River canyon.
Thinking of skipping the plane this summer? We hope these options give you some inspiration to explore getaways closer to home.
Don't forget to pack your shoes ;).